Misbah, Younis turn up for optional practice

COLOMBO: Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq and former skipper Younis Khan turned up for an optional training session here at the SSC less than 20 hours before Pakistan’s morale-boosting win over defending champion Australia on Saturday night.

Younis and Misbah are regarded as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up but both of them have failed to score big in the last few outings after making a great start in the World Cup. They were among seven players who trained under coach Waqar Younis. Misbah later told reporters that Pakistan will continue working hard to ensure that they give an improved showing in the quarterfinals.

He also stressed that the fact that Pakistan topped Pool A ahead of Australia and Sri Lanka proves that they are still one of the leading cricket-playing nations.

“By beating Australia we have proved that Pakistan is a major cricket-playing nation and doesn’t deserve to be left in isolation,” said the experienced batsman.

“We have prepared hard for the World Cup and the team will show further improvement in the quarters.”